Tuesday, April 19, 2016

23 years later this political comedy is as brilliant as when it came out. The US president suffers a stroke which leaves him permanently in a vegetative state. His power hungry chief of staff (Langella) takes this as an opportunity and places the president's double Dave (Kline) to play the part while he sets up his own way to the throne, but Dave proves a far better man for the job than the real POTUS. This is a warm feel good film which even leans to tones of political thriller towards the end, yet always maintaining your interest in the perfectly build and lovable characters. If only comedies were this well written today. They're not. Now funny films are defined by who shouts the best improv gibberish. Reitman has never been this brilliant since and her Ghost Busters leading lady Weaver makes for a perfect First Lady. The supporting cast is spot on from Dunn to Ben Kingsley and Charles Grodin while James Newton Howard's wonderful score almost makes you believe something purely heartfelt could happen within politics of Washington. Pure fiction then but for 110 minutes you're allowed to believe in such fantasy.

Monday, April 18, 2016

The one thing Snyder's always been impeccable with is visual style. This is evident in BvS but surprisingly he at times delves almost into a Michael Bay way of action directing by which I mean it's sometimes hard to follow what the hell is going on. Anyway, many had deep reservations about Affleck being cast as Bruce Wayne but let me tell you, he isn't the problem by a mile. Where Marvel always retains a humorous tone in their films, DC continues down the path of gloominess. Eisenberg is horribly miscast as Luthor and the film's take on the character doesn't work. Why? Much like Andrew Scott in the otherwise brilliant Sherlock, both play their legendary baddies manically against the convention and at least in my eyes, this doesn't work. Luthor, like Moriarty, is a criminal masterminds, but his devilishness only bubbles under the skin. BvS rushes to set up the upcoming Justice League (DC's version of The Avengers) which brings us to the most enjoyable aspect in the film: Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot, Fast Five). She is the most interesting and intriguing character in a film which mostly shuns Superman to a dark corner. Bummer. Everyone's motivations are well thought out and Affleck's Bruce Wayne/Batman is a thunderous, gorgeous presence. Especially in the powerful opening scene which replays Man Of Steel's climax but from Wayne's point of view down on the street. This is a solid action film but Snyder should really take a step back and not go down the traditional road of sequels: simply more of everything. Much like BvS.

Saturday, April 16, 2016

The Marvel films, as fantastic as they continue to be on many level, have become formulaic. This is was especially evident in the second Avengers film which was solid work but for example again ended in another big mess of a fight in city X. Ant-Man continues along a familiar path but wins you over with a pitch perfect cast and humorous script. Edgar Wright (Shaun Of The Dead) was attached to the project for many years and though it's not clear how much of his ideas remain in the film, Reed (Bring It On [!]) navigates it safely to port. Rudd along with Michael Peña give the film its welcome comedic tone while Douglas offers effortless gravitas just by being there. Stoll, who first left a lasting impression on me in the otherwise overrated Salt, is a marvellous baddie. A fine balance of crazy with emotion. This is the most relaxed outing in the MCU thus far and I have absolutely no problem with that.

Most likely surpassing The Phantom Menace as the most anticipated film of all time, TFA more or less divided opinions on its release and continues to do so. Which is fair once having seen the film. After Lucas' prequels it was more than reasonable to long for practical effects, real sets and solid character direction, all of which were absent in Episodes I-III. The result is still a mixed bag. TFA is keen to show love for the original trilogy and endless references to things of past are nicely nostalgic but as an unintentional trade-off the film fails to create a strong enough identity of its own. Even Williams' score for the most part feels bland and only kicks into emotional gear in the third act. And even then only by using old, familiar notes. Hell, even the prequels had "Duel Of Fates". Driver's antagonist Kylo Renn is an interesting if at times frustrating echo of Vader where as Ridley and Boyega give their all to emerge strong but are easily overshadowed by what truly makes this good fun: Harrison Ford. Let's be honest, we're here for Solo, Leia and Luke (though his is a non-role really). Ford is as fiery as he's ever been in his career highs and though it warms the heart of an 80's kid to see Fisher back as Leia, she's somehow a pale, beaten shadow of the spark we remember. Almost like she is a committee now. On the other hand, with the amount of precious things she's lost along the way, who wouldn't be. Personally still, the biggest offense is getting a legend like Max von Sydow on board and then wasting him. For shame. As it stands, come for the adventure and fun but stay ultimately for Han Solo, Chewie and some solid stand out moments. Hopefully Rian Johnson (Looper) fixes the snags for Episode VIII.

I am not my job or how much money I have in the bank.

Just felt like sharing my views and opinions about these films and related topics with you, but feel free to let me know if there's a particular film of which you'd like me to write about. If I haven't seen it, I'll try to make an effort to find it and review it for you.
Bare in mind that I'm only just getting started. There's not much material yet, but Rome wasn't built in a day either. Right?? :) and also, I'm a Finnish guy so give me a break if my english isn't 100%.